Italian Republic Day
2028Friday, June 2
Quick Facts
- Date
- Friday, June 2, 2028
- Observed in
- Italy
- Type
- Public Holiday
What is Italian Republic Day?
Italian Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica Italiana) is the national day of Italy, celebrated on June 2nd to commemorate the institutional referendum of 1946 when Italian citizens chose to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic. This founding moment of modern Italy is marked by grand celebrations, most notably the spectacular military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome. The day represents Italy's transition from a kingdom that had been tainted by Fascism to a democratic republic, symbolizing the nation's commitment to democracy, freedom, and popular sovereignty. June 2nd is considered the birthday of the Italian Republic and is one of the most important national holidays.
When is Italian Republic Day 2028?
Italian Republic Day is on Friday, June 2 in 2028. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
The birth of the Italian Republic emerged from the ashes of World War II and the fall of Fascism.
The End of the Monarchy
The House of Savoy had ruled Italy since unification in 1861, but King Victor Emmanuel III had fatally compromised the monarchy by supporting Mussolini's Fascist regime. In April 1944, the king abdicated in favor of his son, Umberto II, who became Lieutenant General of the Realm.
The 1946 Referendum
On June 2, 1946, Italians went to the polls in the country's first universal suffrage vote—women voted for the first time in a national election. Citizens faced a historic choice: monarchy or republic.
The results:
- Republic: 12,717,923 votes (54.3%)
- Monarchy: 10,719,284 votes (45.7%)
The north overwhelmingly voted for the republic, while the south largely supported the monarchy. On June 18, 1946, the Court of Cassation declared the official results, and Italy became a republic.
Umberto II in Exile
On June 13, 1946, Umberto II left Italy, beginning the Savoy family's exile. He never abdicated and was known as the "May King" for his brief 34-day reign. The constitution later banned male descendants of the House of Savoy from entering Italy until 2002.
The First Republic Day
The first official celebration was held on June 2, 1948, with a military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali, a tradition that continues today.
How It's Celebrated
The Rome Parade
The highlight of Republic Day is the military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome:
- The President of the Republic lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Spectacular flyover by the Frecce Tricolori (Italian Air Force aerobatic team) painting the sky green, white, and red
- Military units from all armed forces march before the President
- Display of military equipment and vehicles
- Music by military bands
Government Ceremonies
- The President hosts a reception at the Quirinal Palace
- Opening of the Quirinal Palace gardens to the public
- Official ceremonies in Italian embassies worldwide
Public Celebrations
- Concerts and cultural events throughout Italy
- Flag displays on public buildings
- Fireworks in many cities
- Historical exhibitions about the Republic's founding
- Special museum openings and free admissions
The Frecce Tricolori
The aerobatic display team performs their signature tricolor smoke trail over Rome, creating the Italian flag in the sky—one of the most photographed moments of the day.
Where It's Observed
Italian Republic Day is a public holiday in 1 country. In 2028, it falls on Friday, June 2.
Fun Facts
- The 1946 referendum was the first time Italian women could vote in a national election—12 million women cast ballots
- Umberto II was known as the 'Re di Maggio' (May King) because he reigned for only 34 days
- The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team uses 10 aircraft to create their famous tricolor smoke display
- Republic Day was not celebrated from 1977 to 1999 when it was moved to the first Sunday of June to create a 'bridge' holiday; it was restored as a fixed date in 2000
- The military parade features over 4,000 participants and 300 vehicles annually
- The referendum results were contested by monarchists, and the final official results were only declared on June 18, 1946
- Male members of the House of Savoy were constitutionally banned from entering Italy until 2002
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Italian Republic Day?
Italian Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) is celebrated on June 2nd. It commemorates the 1946 referendum when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic.
What happened on June 2, 1946?
On June 2, 1946, Italians voted in a referendum to choose between monarchy and republic. With 54.3% of the vote, Italians chose to abolish the monarchy and establish the Italian Republic. It was also the first time women voted in a national Italian election.
What are the main celebrations?
The main celebration is the military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome, featuring the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic flyover, military bands, and a display of armed forces. The President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Quirinal Palace gardens open to the public.
Who were the Frecce Tricolori?
The Frecce Tricolori (Tricolor Arrows) are the Italian Air Force aerobatic demonstration team. They perform a spectacular flyover during Republic Day, painting the Italian flag colors (green, white, red) in the sky with smoke trails.
Is Republic Day a public holiday in Italy?
Yes, June 2nd is a national public holiday in Italy. Banks, schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed. Many museums offer free admission on this day.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around Italian Republic Day? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
